Process for preparing Tc-99m tris(isonitrile) copper complexes

Abstract

Tris(isonitrile)copper(I) complex salts with anions selected from BF4, PF6, ClO4, I, Br, Cl and CF3COO are useful in preparing radionuclide complexes rapidly at room temperature. Preferred isonitrile ligands are ether isonitriles. The tris(isonitrile)copper(I) adducts enable technetium complexes, such as those of Tc99m, to be prepared easily just prior to their use as imaging agents.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for preparing a complex of an isonitrile ligand and technetium comprising mixing in a suitable solvent at room temperature pertechnetate and a lyophilized; (I) adduct of the formula:   [Cu(R")NC.sub.3 ]X     wherein   X is an anion selected from BF 4 , PF 6 , ClO 4 , I, Br, Cl and CF 3  COO; and   R" is alkyl of 1-20 carbon atoms or has the formula: ##STR2## wherein A is a straight or branched chain alkylene group; and   R and R' each independently is a straight or branched chain alkyl group or taken together are a straight or branched chain alkylene group, provided that: (1) the total number of carbon atoms in A plus R in formula (1) is 4 to 6, provided further that when the total number of carbon atoms is 6, then the carbon atom alpha to the isonitrile group is a quarternary carbon, and   (2) the total number of carbon atoms in A plus R plus R' in formula (Ia) is 4 to 9.     
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein the solvent is water. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 1 wherein the technetium is Tc99m. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 1 wherein the adduct is tris(1-isocyano-2-methoxy-2-methylpropane)-copper(I)BF 4 . 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 1 wherein the adduct is tris(1-isocyano-2-methoxy-2-methylpropane)-copper(I)C10 4 . 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 1 wherein the adduct is tris(1-isocyano-2-methoxy-2-methylpropane)-copper(I)I.